Merhaba! (that means Hello in Turkish). Maybe you have a couple of day’s layover in Istanbul or maybe you and your friends are just looking for an amazing cultural experience. Either way, Istanbul is a remarkable destination!

It’s the lively commercial hub of Turkey, a country located between Europe and Asia, and is believed to be one of the birthplaces of civilization and culture. Istanbul is the home of authentic kebabs, beautiful beaches and a vibrant history.

Here are the best tips for travelling around this city and listing why this is a holiday destination you definitely should not miss.

Take an inexpensive boat cruise

The famous Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul is something you have to do in your lifetime! Take a boat down the sea that runs through the city. It’s cheap, easy and convenient. Plus, the views are so beautiful you’ll remember them for years to come.

The widest collection of see spices & tea

Get ready for a mind-blowing shopping experience! With teas, spices, food and much more your taste buds will have a jolly good time at the Spice Bazaar.

Some of the world’s best architecture

The Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s best pieces of architecture. It was built almost 1500 years ago and was first used as a church, then a mosque and now a museum. It truly is beautiful and it has a dome that’s 43 metres wide!

Have one of those Turkish baths you only see in movies

The local name for a Turkish bath is a ‘hamam’. You’ll have the chance to indulge in one and get a body scrub and massage of you like. Of course the bath is divided into a part for men and for women so don’t worry!

Flight prices are unbeatable right now!

Turkish Airways has great deals to destinations all over the world at the moment. Check out the unbeatable deals here. Whether you’re headed to New York or London, a quick couple of days spent in Istanbul will be phenomenal.

Traveller Tip: Don’t forget your camera! Having a camera, or your smartphone charged (if that’s what you prefer to use to take photos) will make all the difference as there’ll be so many amazing things you’ll want to capture.